Yes, in that infamous light plane crash in 1982. I had quite forgotten Tony Iommi was left-handed. He lost finger-tips on his middle and ring finger but as result of an industrial accident but successfully compensated by using thimbles and lighter strings to play that signature style of Sabbath's.

And I also note he plays a Gibson SG as does our very own (left-handed) Shayne Carter. Well he did have one until some ratbag nicked it - not sure if he ever got it back. Does anyone know? I recall him on radio fairly recently about being in guitar heaven, visiting a (solely) left-handed guitar shop in Alberquerque or some such place.

Don't know anything about Pretty Lights but, like Richard, I have my ticket for The Pretty Things. Partly in the interest of historical symmetry, having been at their infamous New Plymouth concert some time last century.

The clip of Paranoid Russell's posted kicks ass. While no metal fan, there's the odd tune that resonates and this sure is one off 'em. Gosh I'm almost tempted to go ...it's the original band sans Bill Ward the drummer. And Ozzy looks and sounds pretty good as well!

Not exactly Blue Note N.Y.Mangaweka actually; The Rangitikei Ecofest. This Summer (yep it will happen) FG and friends will provide something fairly laid back, in comparison. Shameless self-advertising, but you might want to get away from it all:

So many gigs. It's amazing, but also financially draining. I have decided to forgo Black Sabbath and The Stone Roses (even though I have long standing love both bands). Radiohead kinda blew the budget. I have forked out too much money for Morrissey tickets and he just better be good (if he plays 'There Is A light' it will be entirely worth it).

He's been playing vineyards in the USA for years although I usually hate those crowds. The Imposters are a good band. I've seen them... four times?... and they still have some surprisingly badass moments (it's really all about Pete Thomas). Also I am WAY more scared of Van Morrison than Elvis. What a grumpy bugger. :)

I am pretty sure the Spinning Songbook is not coming here. Which is why I'm going to Sydney to see it. Because I am nuts.

Russell, it's too late now, but those vineyard show seats are a bit of a waste of money - you can get so close to the stage on the sides that GA is just as good. Plus more flexibility with wandering about.

I seem to have accumulated tickets to Morrissey AND Devo (I think one will have to be sacrificed), Weezer, Elvis here, Elvis in Sydney, Pretty Lights, Ringo (yikes, that will be a cheesefest), Neil Young, and Wilco. Will definitely go to the Stone Roses too. Have I missed anyone? :)